JP5436567B2 - Falling body delivery method, falling body delivery apparatus, and falling body viscometer including the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a falling body viscometer that measures the falling speed of a falling body dropped into an object to be measured in a measurement container, and measures the viscosity of the object to be measured from the measured value. The present invention relates to a technique for improving the measurement accuracy of a viscometer.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, viscometers are known in which a falling body is dropped vertically into a liquid that is a viscosity measurement object, and the viscosity of the liquid is measured from the falling speed of the falling body (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

For example, Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a substantially needle-like falling body is dropped into a cylindrical measurement container, and particularly aims at measuring the viscosity of blood. More specifically, it has a configuration in which a pair of electromagnetic induction sensors separated vertically is attached to a cylindrical measurement container, and after receiving a detection signal of a substantially needle-like falling body by the upper electromagnetic induction sensor, The time until the detection signal of the substantially needle-like falling body is received by the lower electromagnetic induction type sensor is measured, and the falling end speed is detected from this time and the distance between the upper and lower electromagnetic induction type sensors. The “falling end velocity” is defined as a falling velocity when a constant velocity falling motion is performed in the fluid.

In both Patent Documents 1 and 2, the falling body is dropped from the launcher into the cylindrical measurement container, and when measuring, the falling body is set on the launcher so that the falling body is picked with a finger. By releasing the state of being picked with a finger, the fallen body is naturally moved into the measurement container by gravity.

JP 2006-208260 A JP-A-8-219973

However, in the configuration in which the falling body picked by the finger is dropped as in the above-described conventional configuration, it is difficult to make the position where the falling body starts free fall (vertical position) uniform, and free fall starts. Then, the time until the upper electromagnetic induction type sensor is reached varies, and thus the speed at which the falling body passes the upper sensor varies. As a result, not only the measurement results are varied among the measurers, but also variations are caused by the same measurer.

Further, in the configuration in which the falling body is held by the finger, there is a concern that the falling posture and behavior of the falling body may be affected by the way the force is applied from the finger to the falling body. In particular, in the case of a needle-shaped falling body, the falling body has an elongated shape. Therefore, when the state where the periphery of the falling body is picked with a finger is released, the falling body is inclined or rotated around the axis of the falling body. There are concerns about the generation of power. These are thought to be a hindrance to the falling body to fall freely vertically.

Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention proposes a novel configuration for suppressing the occurrence of variations in measurement results for a falling body viscometer.

In addition to the above, on the assumption that the falling speed of the falling body has reached the falling end speed, and on the assumption that the falling body is moving in the fluid by a constant velocity falling motion, The viscosity of the liquid to be measured is calculated.

However, depending on the measurement object, the falling body does not reach the final falling speed because the distance from the falling body to the upper electromagnetic induction sensor is short or the time is short. There may also be situations where you are not moving in a constant velocity drop motion.

In such a case, the viscosity measurement method (calculation method) based on the premise that the falling body is moving with a constant velocity drop motion has a poor reliability of the measurement result (calculation result).

Therefore, another object of the present invention is to propose a technique that enables a falling body to reach a falling end speed and create a situation in which a constant speed falling motion is created.

In addition to the above, in the above-described conventional configuration, one fallen body must be manually set on the launcher each time, which imposes a burden on the work. In addition, since the falling body has to be aligned with the position of the hole of the launcher, the consciousness must be concentrated for the alignment, and the work load is large when performing multiple measurements.

  In order to improve the measurement accuracy of the falling speed, it is effective to acquire a larger number of samples by increasing the number of measurements. However, as the number of measurements increases, the above-described work load and variation problems increase. turn into. In addition, even when comparatively examining the viscosity of various types of objects to be measured, the number of times of measurement increases and the same problem occurs.

  Therefore, another object of the present invention is to propose a new configuration for solving the problem of work burden and the like for the falling body viscometer.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

  In other words, as described in claim 1, the falling body viscometer is a method for delivering a falling body when the falling body loaded in the loading portion of the loading holder is pushed into the measurement object by being pushed down by the push pin. When the falling body is sent out by the push pin, a first step is set in a standby state in which a part of the falling body has entered the measurement container, and the object to be measured is attached to the surface of the falling body, A second step of maintaining the state of the falling body in the first step for a specified time, and a third step of sending the falling body after the second step, Use the sending method.

  Further, as described in claim 2, the operating speed of the extrusion pin and / or the specified time of the second step can be specified in advance according to the object to be measured.

  Further, as described in claim 3, the falling body viscometer falling body delivery device includes an extrusion pin for feeding the falling body loaded in the loading portion of the loading holder into the object to be measured. A first step of setting a part of the fallen body in a standby state in which the fallen body has entered the measurement container and attaching the object to be measured to the surface of the fallen body, A falling body delivery device for a falling body viscometer, wherein the second step of maintaining the state of the falling body for a specified time and the third step of sending the falling body after the second step are executable. And

Further, as described in claim 4 , the operating speed of the extrusion pin and / or the specified time of the second step can be specified in advance according to the object to be measured.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the holder for loading includes a plurality of the loading sections, and allows the falling bodies loaded in the loading sections to be sequentially sent out by the extrusion device. is there.

  In addition, as described in claim 6, the loading holder and the extrusion device are provided such that relative positions can be changed, and the relative positions of the extrusion pins with respect to the loading portions are changed by changing the relative positions. By sequentially aligning, the falling bodies loaded in the respective loading sections can be sequentially sent out.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the loading holder is configured to be separable from the extrusion device.

Further, as described in claim 8, in which a falling body viscometer with a falling body delivery device according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

As effects of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

That is, in the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to make the position at which the falling body starts free fall (vertical position) uniform, and from the start of free fall to the falling body speed measurement sensor. Occurrence of variation in time can be suppressed, and occurrence of variation in speed when the falling body passes the falling body speed measurement sensor can be suppressed. In addition, by allowing the object to be measured to conform to the surface of the falling body before dropping it, it is possible to reduce the fluid friction resistance generated between the falling body and the object to be measured when the falling body starts to drop. In the limited fall distance in the measurement container, the fallen body can be surely caused to drop at a constant speed (to reach the end-of-fall speed).

  Further, in the invention according to claim 2, by allowing the falling body to be given an initial velocity, the falling body is surely moved at a constant speed within a limited drop distance within the measurement container (dropping). To the end speed). In addition, it becomes possible to set the degree of familiarity of the object to be measured to the surface of the fallen body, and the fallen body is surely moved at a constant speed within a limited drop distance in the measurement container (which leads to the falling end velocity). Can).

Further, in the invention according to claim 3, it is possible to make the position (vertical direction position) at which the falling body starts a free fall uniform, and from the start of the free fall to the falling body speed measurement sensor. Occurrence of variation in time can be suppressed, and occurrence of variation in speed when the falling body passes the falling body speed measurement sensor can be suppressed. In addition, by allowing the object to be measured to conform to the surface of the falling body before dropping it, it is possible to reduce the fluid friction resistance generated between the falling body and the object to be measured when the falling body starts to drop. In the limited fall distance in the measurement container, the fallen body can be surely caused to drop at a constant speed (to reach the end-of-fall speed).

Further, in the invention described in claim 4 , by allowing the falling body to be given an initial velocity, the falling body is surely moved at a constant velocity within a limited drop distance within the measurement container (dropping). To the end speed). In addition, it becomes possible to set the degree of familiarity of the object to be measured to the surface of the fallen body, and the fallen body is surely moved at a constant speed within a limited drop distance in the measurement container (which leads to the falling end velocity). Can).

In the invention according to claim 5 , the loading holder having a plurality of loading portions that can be loaded with a falling body allows the falling body to be moved relative to the loading portion by the extrusion device while holding the falling body in the loading portion. Since the mechanism is provided, it is possible to continuously perform a viscosity measurement operation for a plurality of falling bodies, and it is possible to reduce the work load and to reduce variations in measurement results.

In addition, in the invention according to the sixth aspect , each falling body comes into direct contact with the extrusion pin, and each falling body can be sent out under the same conditions, so that variation in measurement results can be reduced.

Further, in the invention described in claim 7 , it is possible to prepare a loading holder in which a plurality of falling bodies are set as a stock (to be a cartridge type), and by replacing the loading holder, the following It can be made excellent in workability, such as being able to move quickly to measurement work.

In the invention described in claim 8 , a falling body viscometer having the effects described above can be realized.

The figure shown about the structure of a falling body type viscometer provided with a falling body delivery apparatus. The figure shown about the state before assembling a falling body type viscometer. The side view which shows the external appearance of a falling body type viscometer. The rear view shown about the structure of the extrusion apparatus of a falling body delivery apparatus. Sectional drawing of the loading part of the holder for loading. The side view shown about the structure of the extrusion apparatus of a falling body delivery apparatus. (A) is a figure explaining when an up-and-down movement arm exists in an origin position. (B) is a figure explaining when an up-and-down movement arm exists in a 1st stop position. (C) is a figure explaining when an up-and-down movement arm exists in the 2nd stop position. The figure shown about the state which makes fall of a falling body be a standby state. The figure explaining the automatic control for dropping a falling body sequentially. The figure shown about the structural example of a falling body speed measurement sensor. The figure shown about the waveform of the electric potential change detected by the falling body speed measurement sensor. The figure explaining the relationship between a shear rate and a shear stress. The flowchart shown about the whole flow of a measurement operation | work.

In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the falling body of the falling body viscometer 2 when the falling body 4 loaded in the loading portion 13 a of the loading holder 13 is sent into the measurement object 3. 4, the falling body 4 of the falling body viscometer 2 is sent out from the loading section 13a by pushing down the falling body 4 by the push pin 15.

As a result, the position (vertical position) at which the falling body 4 starts free fall can be made uniform, and the time from the start of the free fall to the falling body speed measurement sensor 5 (see FIG. 1) can be reduced. The occurrence of variation can be suppressed, and the occurrence of variation in the speed when the falling body passes the falling body speed measurement sensor 5 can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the push pin 15 is actuated by the driving device 6.

Thus, by operating the push pin 15 by the drive device 6, the delivery work of the falling body 4 can be automated, and the workability of the measurement work can be improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, the operating speed of the extrusion pin 15 can be defined in advance according to the object to be measured 3.

Thereby, by allowing the falling body 4 to be given the initial velocity V, the falling body 4 is surely caused to move at a constant speed within a limited drop distance in the measurement container 11 (to reach the falling end speed). )be able to.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, when the falling body 4 is sent out by the push pin 15, a part of the falling body 4 is set in a standby state in which the falling body 4 enters the measurement container 11, and A first step for attaching the object to be measured 3 to the surface of the falling body 4; a second step for maintaining the state of the falling body 4 in the first step for a specified time; and sending the falling body 4 after the second step. And a third step.

Thus, before the falling body 4 is dropped, the fluid friction resistance generated between the falling body 4 and the measured object 3 when the falling body 4 starts to fall by making the measured object 3 conform to the surface of the falling body 4. Can be reduced, and the falling body 4 can be reliably moved at a constant speed (to reach the end-of-falling speed) within a limited drop distance in the measurement container 11.

Moreover, as shown to Fig.7 (a)-(c), the operating speed of the said extrusion pin 15 and / or the regulation time of said 2nd step can be prescribed | regulated previously according to the said to-be-measured object 3. It is what.

In this way, by allowing the falling body 4 to be given the initial velocity V, the falling body 4 is surely moved at a constant speed within a limited drop distance in the measurement container 11 (the end-falling speed is reached). Can). In addition, it becomes possible to set the degree of familiarity of the object 3 to be measured on the surface of the falling body 4, and the falling body 4 is surely moved at a constant velocity within a limited drop distance in the measurement container 11 (falling). To the end speed).

Further, as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5, the loading holder 13 has a plurality of loading portions 13a,
The extruding device 12 is a falling body feeding device 1 that can sequentially feed the falling bodies 4 loaded in the loading sections 13a.

  As a result, it is possible to continuously perform a viscosity measurement operation for a plurality of falling bodies, and it is possible to reduce the work load and to reduce variations in measurement results.

Also, as shown in FIG.
The loading unit 13 includes a falling body holding mechanism 13M that allows the falling body 4 to be moved with respect to the loading unit 13a by the extrusion device 12 while holding the falling body 4 in the loading unit 13a. The mechanism 13M comprises the loading portion 13a with a vertical hole 13d and protrusions 13e and 13e formed on the inner peripheral surface of the vertical hole,
The fall of the falling body 4 is suppressed by the protrusions 13e and 13e, and the frictional force generated between the protrusions 13e and 13e and the peripheral surface of the falling body 4.

  Accordingly, each falling body 4 is held with an appropriate frictional force by the combination of the vertical hole 13d formed in the inner surface of the loading portion 13a of the loading holder 13 and the protrusions 13e and 13e. 4)), and the falling body 4 does not fall freely. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the work load and the variation in measurement results with a simple structure.

Also, as shown in FIG.
The loading holder 13 and the extrusion device 12 are provided so that the relative positions can be changed.
The extruding device 12 has an extruding pin 15 for pushing down the falling body 4 and feeding it from the loading unit 13a.
By changing the relative position, the relative position of the push pin 15 with respect to each loading portion 13a is sequentially adjusted,
The falling bodies loaded in the loading units 13a can be sequentially sent out.

  As a result, each falling body 4 comes into direct contact with the push pin 15 and each falling body 4 can be sent out under the same conditions, and variation in measurement results can be reduced.

Also, as shown in FIG.
The loading holder 13 is configured to be separable from the extrusion device 12.

  As a result, it is possible to prepare a loading holder 13 in which a plurality of fallen bodies 4 are set as a stock (to be a cartridge type), and the replacement of the loading holder 13 allows a quick transition to the next measurement operation. It can be made excellent in workability.

Also, as shown in FIG.
The relative position between the loading holder 13 and the extrusion device 12 can be changed by the driving device 7.

  As a result, it is possible to automatically perform the viscosity measurement work for a plurality of fallen bodies, thereby reducing the work load and the variation in measurement results.

Also, as shown in FIG.
A falling body viscometer 2 including the falling body delivery device 1 having the above configuration is provided.

  Thereby, the falling body viscometer 2 that can reduce the work load and the variation in the measurement result can be realized.

Details will be described below with reference to examples.
FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a falling body viscometer 2 including a falling body delivery device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The falling body viscometer 2 drops a substantially needle-shaped falling body 4 into the object to be measured 3 placed in the measurement container 11 and measures the falling speed of the falling body 4 with a falling body speed measuring sensor 5. The viscosity of the DUT 3 is measured by using the measured drop speed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the falling body viscometer 2 includes an operation / display device 10 for inputting numerical values necessary for measurement and displaying the measured drop speed and viscosity. Yes. The measurement result can be printed out from an output device (not shown).

  In addition, the falling speed of the falling body 4 described in the present embodiment refers to a speed (falling end speed) when the falling body 4 is falling in the measured object at a constant speed (equal speed falling motion). Further, the object 3 to be measured for viscosity is assumed to be various things such as blood, beverage, paint, medicine, yeast, yogurt, mayonnaise, resin, etc., where the falling body 4 can fall under its own weight, In addition to the Newtonian fluid, those classified as non-Newtonian fluids are also envisaged.

  Moreover, about the calculation method of the viscosity using the measured dropping speed, what is disclosed by Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 8-219973, Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2006-208260, etc. can be utilized, and it is disclosed by these gazettes. It is possible to calculate the viscosity by executing the method by a program.

<Device configuration>
Details of the apparatus configuration will be described below.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of the falling body viscometer 2, FIG. 2 is a view showing a state before the falling body viscometer 2 is assembled, and FIG. 3 is a side view showing the appearance of the falling body viscometer 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the falling body viscometer 2 is provided with a moving base 22 for vertically standing an outer cylinder 21 into which the measurement container 11 is inserted. The outer cylinder 21 is provided with a falling body speed measurement sensor 5 having two pairs of coils.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the falling body viscometer 2 is provided with an arithmetic control device 9, and the arithmetic control device 9 automatically controls the falling bodies to fall sequentially (time chart (FIG. 9)). Execution), calculation of the falling speed and viscosity, and input / output of various information to / from the operation / display device 10.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the falling-body delivery device 1 is relatively moved so as to slide laterally with respect to the extrusion device 12 to which the measurement container 11 inserted into the outer cylinder 21 from above is attached. And a loading holder 13 which can be installed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the extrusion device 12 is provided with an extrusion pin 15 provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction. By this extrusion pin 15, the falling body 4 loaded in the loading holder 13 is It is configured to be sent into the measurement container 11 attached to the lower part of the extrusion device 12.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the measurement container 11 is a bottomed cylindrical container in which an object to be measured is inserted from an injection port formed in the upper part. In addition, a falling body recovery unit 14 is formed in the lower part of the measurement container 11, and the falling body that has dropped in the object to be measured is collected by the falling body recovery unit 14.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the loading holder 13 is constituted by a block-like member that is long in the lateral direction, and a plurality of hole-shaped loading portions 13a, 13a,. Each of the loading portions 13a, 13a,... Is loaded with a substantially needle-like falling body 4. In addition, the loading holder 13 is inserted into a horizontal slide hole 16m formed in the column portion 16 of the extrusion device 12 and horizontally on a base member 16n formed at a lower portion of the column portion 16. Configured to move.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the object to be measured is put in the measurement container 11 and attached to the extrusion device 12, and the falling body delivery device 1 is assembled by setting the loading holder 13 in the extrusion device 12. . And the fallen body delivery apparatus 1 will be in the state set to the outer cylinder 21 by inserting the site | part of the measurement container 11 into the outer cylinder 21 from upper direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the loading holder 13 is configured to be separable from the extrusion device 12, so that the loading holder 13 in which a plurality of falling bodies 4 are set can be prepared as a stock. It becomes possible (becomes a cartridge type), and by exchanging the loading holder 13, it is possible to quickly move to the next measurement work, and to improve the workability.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the moving table 22 on which the outer cylinder 21 is erected is configured to be slidable in the depth direction of the measuring table 23 (direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the loading holder 13). , It can be set at a measurement evacuation position 24 which is a front position and a measurement position 25 which is a position at the time of measurement. Then, at the measurement evacuation position 24, as shown in FIG. 2, a preparatory work for inserting the measurement container 11 attached to the falling body delivery device 1 into the outer cylinder 21 is performed. As shown, the movable table 22 can be moved to the measurement position 25 on the back side. In addition, after the measurement is completed, the movable body 22 is moved again to the measurement evacuation position 24 so that the falling body delivery device 1 (measurement container 11) can be taken out from the outer cylinder 21.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the falling body viscometer 2 is provided with a vertically long box portion 26 that accommodates the driving devices 6, 7, and the like. The vertical wall portion 26 a of the box portion 26 moves up and down. The arm 31, the positioning pins 32a and 32b, and the left and right moving arm 34a are projected. As shown in FIG. 2, the positioning pins 32a and 32b are arranged in a total of four places, and the left and right moving arms 34a and 34a are arranged in a total of two places.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the extrusion device 12 has a structure in which an extrusion pin 15 is provided in a columnar column portion 16 so as to be movable up and down, and a positioning pin shown in FIG. Positioning holes 16a and 16b into which 32a and 32b are inserted are formed in the depth direction.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 4, a pin insertion hole 15b into which the tip of the vertically moving arm 31 shown in FIG. Has been.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, through holes 13b and 13b into which the left and right moving arms 34a and 34a shown in FIG. 3 are inserted are formed in the depth direction at two positions on the left and right of the loading holder 13, respectively.

  4, when the movable table 22 is moved from the measurement retract position 24 shown in FIG. 3 to the measurement position 25, the vertical movement arm 31 is inserted into the pin insertion hole 15b and the positioning pins 32a. 32b is inserted into the positioning holes 16a and 16b, and left and right moving arms 34a and 34a are inserted into the through holes 13b and 13b, respectively. Thereby, when the movable stand 22 is set at the measurement position 25 shown in FIG. 3, the relative position of each part of the falling body delivery apparatus 1 with respect to the box part 26 (vertical wall part 26a) can be set to a specified position. It is like that.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the loading parts 13 a, 13 a... Of the loading holder 13 are loaded with falling bodies 4. By lowering, the falling body 4 is sent into the measurement container 11. Moreover, the stop position of the movement of the push pin 15 can be defined by a drive device 6 (see FIG. 3), a stopper (not shown), etc., which will be described later.

  FIG. 5 shows the shape of the horizontal section of the loading portion 13a of the loading holder 13. The loading portion 13a has a vertical hole 13d and a protrusion 13e that protrudes toward the axial center of the vertical hole 13d. -It is set as the structure which has 13e. The protrusions 13e and 13e come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the falling body 4, whereby a frictional force is generated between the outer peripheral surface of the falling body 4 and the protrusions 13e and 13e. Thus, the state of being held by the loading portion 13a by the protrusions 13e and 13e is maintained without falling naturally.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the loading unit 13a of the loading holder 13 can move the falling body 4 relative to the loading unit 13a by the extrusion device 12 (see FIG. 4) while holding the falling body 4 in the loading unit 13a. The structure is provided with a falling body holding mechanism 13M. The falling body holding mechanism 13M includes the loading portion 13a as a vertical hole 13d and protrusions 13e and 13e formed on the inner peripheral surface of the vertical hole 13d, and the protrusions 13e and 13e and the falling body are formed. The fall of the falling body 4 is suppressed by the frictional force generated between the peripheral surface of the 4 and the peripheral surface.

  Further, according to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, each falling body 4 is held with an appropriate frictional force by a combination of the vertical hole 13 d formed in the inner surface of the loading portion 13 a of the loading holder 13 and the protrusions 13 e and 13 e. Therefore, an excessive load is not required for the extrusion device 12 (see FIG. 4), and the falling body 4 does not fall freely. Therefore, a simple structure reduces work load and variation in measurement results. It becomes possible.

  In FIG. 5, the protrusions 13e and 13e are configured to have four vertically elongated protrusions having a substantially triangular cross section, but the shape and the number are limited to the form of FIG. Never happen. For example, a form in which a circumferential protrusion is provided at the end of the vertical hole 13d in plan view, a form in which a hemispherical protrusion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the vertical hole 13d, or a continuous form on the inner peripheral surface of the vertical hole 13d. It is also conceivable to form an internal tooth shape in which irregularities are formed. Further, the protrusions 13e and 13e may be made of rubber or resin separate from the loading holder 13, or may be formed at the same time as the vertical hole 13d is formed.

  As described above, by adopting a form in which the falling body 4 is pushed down by the push pin 15 and sent out, the position (vertical direction position) at which the falling body starts to fall freely can be made uniform. The occurrence of variations in time from the start of falling to the falling body speed measurement sensor 5 (see FIG. 1) can be suppressed, and the occurrence of dispersion in the speed when the falling body passes the falling body speed measurement sensor 5 can be suppressed. it can.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the push pin 15 and the vertically movable arm 31 are connected by inserting the vertically movable arm 31 into the connecting portion 15 a provided on the top of the push pin 15. . Further, the vertical movement arm 31 is configured to move up and down by the driving device 6, whereby the push pin 15 moves up and down in conjunction with the vertical movement arm 31. When the vertically moving arm 31 is moved downward, the falling body 4 is pushed down by the push pin 15, and the falling body 4 is sent out from the loading portion 13 a and sent into the measurement container 11. ing. A configuration different from the configuration in which the pin insertion hole 15b and the vertically moving arm 31 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 are connected is also conceivable. For example, the upper part of the push pin is pressed from above by the vertical movement arm so that the push pin is pushed down. After the falling body is sent, the push pin is returned to its original position by the return force of an elastic member such as a spring. It is a structure returned to (position before being pushed down).

  Thus, by operating the push pin 15 by the drive device 6, the delivery work of the falling body 4 can be automated, and the workability of the measurement work can be improved. The drive device 6 is preferably a servo motor or a stepping motor so that the timing for moving the vertical movement arm 31 and the vertical position can be strictly controlled.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the left and right moving arms 34 a and 34 a are connected to the loading holder 13 by inserting the left and right moving arms 34 a and 34 a into the through holes 13 b and 13 b of the loading holder 13. It becomes the state. Further, the left and right moving arms 34a and 34a are configured to move left and right by the drive device 7, whereby the loading holder 13 moves left and right in conjunction with the left and right moving arms 34a and 34a. .

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, at the time of measurement, the left and right moving arms 34a and 34a are provided with a predetermined moving distance so that the loading portions 13a of the loading holder 13 are sequentially disposed below the push pin 15. Are only moved sequentially. The timing for moving the loading holder 13 is when the vertical movement arm 31 is at the origin position 60 or the upper limit position 63 and when the push pin 15 is not inserted into the loading portion 13a. It has become. Further, after the delivery of each fallen body 4 by the push pin 15 is completed, the left and right moving arms 34a and 34a are returned to their original positions, so that the loading holder 13 is also moved to the standby position before the measurement is started (state shown in FIG. 1). It is supposed to be returned.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a guide convex portion 16c protrudes downward in the slide hole 16m provided in the column portion 16 of the extrusion device 12, and this guide convex portion 16c is loaded. It is inserted into a guide groove 13 c formed in the holder 13. As a result, the loading holder 13 moves left and right while being guided by the guide convex portion 16c.

  As described above, by operating the loading holder 13 with the driving device 7, the feeding operation of the loading holder 13 can be automated, and the workability of the measurement operation can be improved. The drive device 7 is preferably a servo motor or a stepping motor so that the timing for moving the left and right moving arms 34a and 34a and the left and right positions can be strictly controlled. Further, the drive device 6 and the drive device 7 are synchronized by the arithmetic control device 9 (see FIG. 1), so that the timing of the horizontal movement of the loading holder 13 and the vertical movement of the push pin 15 is controlled. The falling body 4 can be automatically dropped.

  6 and 7, the vertical movement arm 31 is stopped at a total of four positions including an origin position 60, a first stop position 61, a second stop position 62, and an upper limit position 63 (FIG. 6). Thus, it is controlled by the driving device 6.

  Here, when the vertically moving arm 31 is at the origin position 60, the lower end 15 c of the push pin 15 is connected to the loading portion 13 a of the loading holder 13 in the state where the upper connecting portion 15 a of the push pin 15 is disposed at the upper position. It will be in the state arranged above.

  When the vertically moving arm 31 is lowered from the origin position 60 to the first stop position 61, the lower end 15c of the push pin 15 is inserted into the loading portion 13a and comes into contact with the upper end portion of the falling body 4 so that the falling body 4 is It is moved downward. Here, the falling body 4 does not fall into the measurement container 11, but is in a standby state in which a part (lower part) of the falling body 4 is entered into the measurement container 11 (a standby state in which the lower part protrudes downward from the extrusion device 12. Status).

  When the vertical movement arm 31 is lowered from the first stop position 61 to the second stop position 62, the push pin 15 is further moved downward, and the falling body 4 falls into the measurement container 11. Thereafter, the vertical movement arm 31 is raised from the second stop position 62 to the upper limit position 63 and then returned to the origin position 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the vertical movement arm 31 moves from the origin position 60 (FIG. 7A) to the first stop position 61 (FIG. 7B) and then moves for a specified time T1. Is stopped, and after the specified time T1 has elapsed, the movement from the first stop position 61 to the second stop position 62 (FIG. 7C) is started. That is, it is possible to wait for the falling body 4 to fall for a specified time T1.

FIG. 8 shows that the falling body 4 is in a standby state at the specified time T1.
A cylindrical guide portion 12c for guiding the fallen body 4 is provided on the lower portion of the base member 16n of the extrusion device 12, and the fallen body 4 falls vertically by passing through the guide portion 12c. I have to. In this configuration, in the standby state of dropping, the lower portion of the falling body 4 protrudes from the guide portion 12c, and the measured object 3 is adapted to the surface of the falling body 4 at the protruding portion.

  Furthermore, due to the so-called capillary phenomenon, the measured object 3 rises through the gap S formed between the guide portion 12 c and the falling body 4, so that a wide range on the surface of the falling body 4 becomes compatible with the measured object 3. ing. Thus, before the falling body 4 is dropped, the fluid friction generated between the falling body 4 and the measured object 3 when the falling body 4 starts to fall by adjusting the measured object 3 to the surface of the falling body 4. The resistance can be reduced, and the falling body 4 can be surely caused to move at a constant speed (to reach the end-of-falling speed) within a limited drop distance in the measurement container 11.

  In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, the specified time T1 for waiting for the falling body 4 to fall with the vertically moving arm as the first stop position is, for example, a few seconds such as 2 seconds or 3 seconds. It can be appropriately defined depending on the type, the length of the falling body 4 and the like. This makes it possible to set the degree of familiarity of the DUT 3 to the surface of the falling body 4, and the falling body 4 is reliably moved at a constant velocity within a limited drop distance in the measurement container 11 ( To the end-of-fall speed). In addition, the function which suppresses fall of the fall body 4 by the frictional force with the surrounding surface of the fall body 4 above the guide part 12c in the base member 16n so that the fall body 4 can be hold | maintained in a standby state, without dropping at this position. A vertical hole 12f is formed. This vertical hole 12f can be realized by providing protrusions 13e and 13e as shown in FIG. 5 in the same manner as the vertical hole 13d of the loading holder 13 loading portion 13a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the vertically moving arm 31 is moved from the first stop position 61 (FIG. 7B) to the second stop position 62 (FIG. 7C) by the prescribed acceleration A. Thus, the falling body 4 is fed into the object 3 to be measured after being given the initial velocity V. The operating speed of the vertically moving arm 31, that is, the operating speed of the push pin 15 can be set in advance according to the object to be measured 3. In this way, by allowing the falling body 4 to be given the initial velocity V, the falling body 4 is surely caused to move at a constant speed within the limited drop distance in the measurement container 11 (falling end velocity). ).

<Measurement procedure>
With the configuration as described above, the viscosity of the object to be measured using a plurality of falling bodies can be measured using the time chart shown in FIG.
In this example, a total of 8 falling bodies are continuously dropped. The eight falling bodies are assumed to have different densities (mg / cm ³ ), and by using a plurality of falling bodies having different densities as described above, it is possible to determine the Newtonian fluid / non-Newtonian fluid described later. Become.

  The time chart of FIG. 9 will be described in order with reference to the configurations of FIGS. 1 to 8. First, as shown in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. The falling body delivery device 1 in which the container 11 is set is set in the outer cylinder 21. Then, the moving table 22 is moved to the measurement position 25.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 1, the loading holder 13 is disposed at the standby position, and as shown in FIG. 7B, the vertical movement arm 31 (the push pin 15) is at the origin position 60. Yes. Then, as shown in FIG. 1, when measurement is started by the operation / display device 10, the loading portion 13 a containing the first falling body 4 arranged on the leftmost side in the drawing is positioned below the push pin 15. The loading holder 13 is slid leftward. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7B, the vertically moving arm 31 is once raised to the upper limit position 63 and adjusted to the zero point, and then returned to the origin position 60. Waiting for time T0 (in this example, 1 second).

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 8, the vertical movement arm 31 is lowered to the first stop position 61, and the lower part of the falling body 4 protrudes from the guide portion 12 c. This step is the first step.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7B and FIG. 8, the first stop position 61 waits for a specified time T1 (2 seconds in this example). During this specified time T1, the surface of the fallen body 4 and the object to be measured 3 become familiar. This step is the second step.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7C, the vertical movement arm 31 is lowered to the second stop position 62, and thereby the falling body 4 is delivered into the measurement container 11. This step is the third step.

As described above, when the falling body 4 is delivered by the push pin 15,
A first step of setting a part of the falling body 4 in a standby state in which the falling body 4 has entered the measurement container 11 and attaching the object 3 to be measured to the surface of the falling body (FIG. 7A);
A second step of maintaining the state of the falling body in the first step for a specified time (FIG. 7B),
After the second step, there is a third step for feeding the fallen body (FIG. 7C), and a fallen body operating method.

  As described above, the first falling body is sent out, and as shown in FIG. 6, the vertical movement arm 31 is raised and returned to the upper limit position 63, and the first measurement operation is completed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the loading holder 13 is slid so that the loading portion 13 a containing the second falling body 4 from the left is located below the push pin 15, and thereafter, similarly to the first one. The operation of the vertically moving arm is performed.

  The operations of the loading holder 13 and the push pin 15 (vertical moving arm 31) shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 described above are repeated until the eighth measurement operation is completed. After the eighth measurement operation is completed, the loading holder 13 is automatically returned to the standby position in the preparatory stage (the state shown in FIG. 1), and the vertical movement arm 31 is returned to the origin position 60. After that, as shown in FIG. 3, the movable table 22 is returned from the measurement position 25 to the measurement retracted position 24, and the falling body delivery device 1 is removed upward from the outer cylinder 21 to complete the measurement. After the measurement is completed, the measurement result is output.

  As described above, it is possible to automatically and continuously perform measurement work for a plurality of fallen bodies from the first to the eighth, so that it is possible to reduce the work load and to reduce variations in measurement results.

  In the above example, as shown in FIG. 1, the falling body is sequentially dropped by sliding the loading holder 13, but by sliding the extrusion device 12 without sliding the loading holder 13. Alternatively, the falling bodies may be dropped sequentially. That is, any configuration may be used as long as the relative position between the loading holder 13 and the extrusion device 12 can be changed. In the form of relative movement, each falling body comes into direct contact with the extruding pin 15 and each falling body 4 can be sent out under the same conditions, so that variations in measurement results can be reduced. Moreover, about the form which changes a relative position, it is not limited to a slide, What kind of form may be sufficient. In addition, the automatic measurement work described above can be automatically controlled by the arithmetic and control unit 9.

<Measurement of drop speed>
In the above configuration, the falling speed of the falling body can be measured by the falling body speed measuring sensor 5 shown in FIG. The falling body speed measuring sensor 5 is not particularly limited, but, as shown in FIG. 10, two sets of coil pairs 91 and 92 arranged so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 21 (see FIG. 1). The falling speed can be calculated by analyzing the generated potential change by the arithmetic and control unit 9. More specifically, first, the upper coil pair 91 (first coil pair) is arranged in such a manner that the coils 91a and 91b have different polarities, that is, the winding directions are opposite to each other. Connected to. Similarly, the lower coil pair 92 (second coil pair) is also connected in parallel by arranging the coils 92a and 92b with different polarities.

  Then, in the configuration of the falling body speed measuring sensor 5 of FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 11, the potential of each coil can be measured as a signal output (V). That is, it is possible to record the state in which the signal output (V) fluctuates due to the induced electromotive force generated in each coil when the falling body passes through the magnetic field of each coil. In FIG. 11, the vertical axis represents signal output (V), and the horizontal axis represents time (t). The horizontal axis also corresponds to the falling position of the falling body.

  In FIG. 11, a waveform L1 represents a change with time in the potential of the upper coil pair 91 (coils 91a and 91b) in FIG. 10 by a signal output (V), and a waveform L2 is a lower part of FIG. The change with time of the potential of the coil pair 92 (coils 92a and 92b) on the side is represented by a signal output (V). For the waveform L1, two extreme values M1 and M2 appear, and the first elapsed time Ta between these extreme values M1 and M2 is the distance D1 between the upper and lower centers of the coils 91a and 91b (the position of the upper and lower centers of the coil 91a). , Defined as the time required to pass through the center of the coil 91b. Similarly, for the waveform L2, two extreme values M3 and M4 appear, and the second elapsed time Tb between the extreme values M3 and M4 is the distance D2 between the upper and lower centers of the coils 92a and 92b (the upper and lower centers of the coils 92a). And the interval between the upper and lower central positions of the coil 92b).

  For each of the waveforms L1 and L2, for example, the falling speed v1 and v2 of the falling body can be obtained by dividing the distances D1 and D2 between the vertical centers by the first elapsed time Ta and the second elapsed time Tb, respectively ( Drop speed v1 (mm / msec) = D2 (mm) / Ta (msec), drop speed v2 (mm / msec) = D2 (mm) / Ta (msec)). The average value of the drop speeds v1 and v2 may be used as the drop speed, or one of them may be used as the drop speed. In addition, the time Tc between the intersections M5 and M6 between the waveforms L1 and L2 and the reference potential V0 (voltage applied to each coil by the power supply unit of the arithmetic and control unit 9) is obtained, and from this time Tc You may ask for fall speed.

  In addition to obtaining the falling speed using the configuration of the falling body speed measuring sensor 5 shown in FIG. 10 and the waveforms L1 and L2 shown in FIG. 11 based on the configuration of FIG. 10, the coils of the coil pair shown in FIG. By connecting in parallel with polarity, two extreme values can be obtained in each coil pair, and the passing time of each coil can be obtained using this extreme value. There is no particular limitation.

  In addition, as a method for calculating the viscosity using the dropping speed obtained as described above, those disclosed in JP-A-8-219973 and JP-A-2006-208260 can be used. It is possible to calculate the viscosity by executing the method disclosed in the above.

<Determination of fluid type>
In relation to the calculation of the viscosity, as shown in FIG. 12, by plotting the shear rate γ (horizontal axis (unit: 1 / s (second)) and shear stress τ (vertical axis (unit: Pa)) It is possible to determine whether the object is a Newtonian fluid or a non-Newtonian fluid, that is, as in the measurement example described above, the weights of eight falling bodies having different densities (mg / cm ³ ) ( mg) and the drop rate (m / s), the shear rate γ and the shear stress τ are obtained and plotted in the graph of Fig. 12. Assuming the measured object 3A, the shear rate γ and the shear rate are plotted. When the stress τ indicates a proportional relationship passing through the origin, it can be determined that the fluid is a Newtonian fluid, whereas when the stress τ does not indicate a proportional relationship, the shear rate γ and the shearing force are measured as in the measurement object 3B. It cannot be said that the stress τ shows a proportional relationship through the origin Expediently, it can be determined that a non-Newton fluid.

In the graph of FIG. 12, the object 3B is close to what is defined as the Casson fluid in the region W1 for the object whose weight (mg) (which may be density (mg / cm ³ )) is small. In the region W2 with a large falling body weight (mg), it is not a Newtonian fluid because it does not pass through the origin, but is interpreted as a linear (proportional relationship) behavior similar to the Newtonian fluid. You can also

  In the present specification, the “Newtonian fluid” refers to a linear (proportional relationship) passing through the origin in the graph showing the relationship between the shear rate and the shear stress shown in FIG. Further, “non-Newtonian fluid” refers to a fluid excluding “Newtonian fluid”.

<Drop state judgment>
In addition, in the calculation of the viscosity of the object to be measured as described above, it is assumed that the falling body has a constant velocity falling motion of the object to be measured. May not have reached end-of-fall velocity. In this case, since the graph of FIG. 12 is also affected, there is a concern that an erroneous determination may be made regarding the determination of Newtonian fluid / non-Newtonian fluid.

About this point, the fall state of a fallen body can be determined by using the structure of the fallen body speed measurement sensor 5 shown in FIG. 10 and the waveform shown in FIG.
That is, as shown in FIG. 11, by comparing the first elapsed time Ta between the two extreme values of one coil pair 91 and the second elapsed time Tb between the two extreme values of the other coil pair 92, The state of the falling body falling is determined.

  In the waveform L1 of FIG. 11, if both times Ta and Tb are substantially the same, the distances D1 and D2 between the upper and lower centers of the coils in the coil pair 91 and 92 are set to the same distance, respectively (D1 = D2). Since it took the same time to pass through (), it can be determined that it is moving at a constant velocity. On the other hand, in the waveform L1, if the first elapsed time Ta for the upper coil pair 91 is larger than the second elapsed time Tb for the lower coil pair 92, the speed of the falling body increases. Therefore, it can be determined that there is no constant-velocity falling motion. Furthermore, in the waveform L1, if the first elapsed time Ta for the upper coil pair 91 is smaller than the second elapsed time Tb for the lower coil pair 92, the speed of the falling body decreases. Therefore, it can be determined that a constant-velocity drop movement is not performed.

  Here, it is conceivable that the constant velocity falling motion is not caused, for example, when acceleration is continued due to the low viscosity of the object to be measured, or when the velocity is decreased due to the high viscosity. In addition, depending on the object to be measured, it is also conceivable that a constant velocity drop motion is performed in a region above a certain speed.

  As described above, it is determined whether or not the falling body is moving at a constant velocity, and how the falling body is moving (accelerating or decelerating). It becomes possible.

  If the falling body is not moving at a constant velocity, as shown in FIG. 7C, the initial velocity V is given by the vertically moving arm 31 (extrusion pin 15) and By adjusting the speed V, the falling body 4 can be adjusted to cause a constant speed drop motion in the measurement container 11. That is, the initial speed V is adjusted so that the first elapsed time Ta and the second elapsed time Tb are substantially the same.

<Overall flow of measurement work: Examples>
An example of a series of flows when measuring the falling speed and viscosity of the falling body and determining the type of fluid described above is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
Explaining along this flowchart, first, the initial velocity V of falling body is set (step S1), and the first elapsed time Ta and the second elapsed time Tb are measured (step S2). The measurement of the first elapsed time Ta and the second elapsed time Tb is automatically performed according to the time chart described above (see FIG. 9). Next, the arithmetic and control unit 9 calculates the viscosity of each falling body from the gradient (see FIG. 12) of the graph showing the relationship between the shear rate and the shear stress (step S5), and outputs the result (step S6). ). With such a flow, the viscosity can be calculated.

  Further, in step S3 between step S2 and step S5, it may be determined whether or not a constant velocity drop is made based on the measurement results of the first elapsed time Ta and the second elapsed time Tb. Here, the determination of the equal velocity drop is performed because the reliability of the calculation result (viscosity obtained in step S5) is low in the viscosity calculation method based on the assumption of the constant velocity drop.

  In this step S3, the arithmetic and control unit 9 determines that the first elapsed time Ta between the two extreme values of one coil pair 91 and the two extreme values of the other coil pair 92 are as shown in FIGS. When the absolute value of the difference between both times Ta and Tb is within a constant δ (the constant δ is a constant separately defined by the properties of the object to be measured and the device characteristics) It can be determined that the constant velocity has been dropped (step S4), and the viscosity can be calculated as it is (step S5).

  On the other hand, in step S3, when the absolute value of the difference between both times Ta and Tb is larger than the constant δ, it is determined that the vehicle does not fall at a constant speed (step S7). The cause of the constant speed drop not being considered is that the initial speed V is low or high, so the initial speed V is changed (step S8). This change in the initial speed V can be performed by causing the measurer to arbitrarily change the initial speed V by using an operation / display device 10 such as a display that the arithmetic control device 9 prompts to change, or the arithmetic control device 9 can automatically change the initial speed V. It is also possible to execute the change automatically. The automatic change (adjustment) of the initial speed V by the arithmetic control device 9 may be repeatedly performed, for example, until both times Ta and Tb are substantially the same. Further, this operation may be performed as a preparatory operation before starting measurement.

  By the series of flows described above, the calculation of the viscosity of the object to be measured, the determination of the type of fluid of the object to be measured (determination of Newtonian fluid / non-Newtonian fluid), and the determination of whether or not a constant velocity drop has occurred. Can be useful.

  The present invention can be used for viscosity measurement of various things such as blood, beverages, paints, chemicals, yeast, yogurt, mayonnaise, resin, etc., where falling bodies can fall under its own weight, and Newtonian fluid is Of course, it can also be used for viscosity measurements on those classified as non-Newtonian fluids.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Falling body delivery apparatus 2 Falling body type viscometer 3 Object to be measured 4 Falling body 5 Falling body speed measurement sensor 6 Drive device 7 Drive device 9 Arithmetic control device 10 Operation / display device 11 Measurement container 12 Extruding device 13 Loading holder 13d Vertical hole 13e Projection Part 15 Extrusion pin 21 Outer cylinder 22 Moving table 31 Vertical movement arm 60 Origin position 61 First stop position 62 Second stop position 63 Upper limit position 91 Coil pair 92 Coil pair

Claims (8)

A method of sending a falling body of a falling body viscometer when sending the falling body loaded in the loading portion of the loading holder into the object to be measured by pushing it down with an extrusion pin,
Upon delivery of the falling body by the extrusion pin,
A first step of setting a part of the fallen body in a standby state in which it enters the measurement container, and attaching the object to be measured to the surface of the fallen body;
A second step of maintaining the state of the falling body in the first step for a specified time;
After the second step, a third step of sending the falling body,
Having
A falling body delivery method for a falling body viscometer. The operating speed of the extrusion pin and / or the specified time of the second step can be specified in advance according to the object to be measured.
The falling body delivery method of the falling body viscometer according to claim 1. A falling body delivery device for a falling body viscometer, comprising an extrusion pin for feeding the falling body loaded in the loading portion of the loading holder into the object to be measured,
Upon delivery of the falling body by the extrusion pin,
A first step of setting a part of the fallen body in a standby state in which it enters the measurement container, and attaching the object to be measured to the surface of the fallen body;
A second step of maintaining the state of the falling body in the first step for a specified time;
After the second step, a third step of sending the falling body,
A falling body delivery device for a falling body viscometer, wherein The operating speed of the extrusion pin and / or the specified time of the second step can be specified in advance according to the object to be measured.
The falling body delivery device for a falling body viscometer according to claim 3. The loading holder has a plurality of loading portions,
By the extrusion device, it was possible to sequentially send the falling bodies loaded in each loading unit,
The fallen body delivery device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that. The loading holder and the extrusion device are provided such that the relative positions can be changed,
By changing the relative position, the relative position of the extrusion pin with respect to each loading unit is sequentially adjusted,
A configuration in which the falling bodies loaded in the respective loading units can be sequentially sent out,
The fallen body delivery device according to claim 5, wherein: The loading holder is configured to be separable from the extrusion device,
The falling body sending device according to claim 3, wherein the falling body sending device is characterized in that:   A falling-body viscometer comprising the falling-body delivery device according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

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